ASRS Defined Benefit Plan
The Arizona State Retirement System Defined Benefit Plan provides for lifelong monthly retirement income for qualified members.
The plan is tax-qualified under section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is a “cost-sharing” model, meaning both the member and the employer contribute equally. Members also participate and contribute to the ASRS Long Term Disability Income Plan, which provides benefits for actively contributing members.
Contribution rates as a percent of pay are actuarially determined and adjusted annually to ensure the plan remains fiscally sound and able to meet current and future obligations.
There are two portions to the ASRS contribution rate - the Retirement Pension & Health Insurance Benefit, and the Long Term Disability Income Plan. The Pension Plan contribution is a pre-tax deduction, and the Long-Term Disability deduction is post-tax. Tax on pension benefits is deferred until payment is made to the member as a benefit or refund.
How Contribution Rates are Determined
See how your contribution rates are determined and when you'll learn about the new rate each year.
Contribution Rates
Fiscal Year 2020-21. Effective July 1, 2020
| PENSION & HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFIT | LONG TERM DISABILITY INCOME PLAN | TOTAL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee | 12.04% | 0.18% | 12.22% |
| Employer | 12.04% | 0.18% | 12.22% |
Fiscal Year 2021-22. Effective July 1, 2021
| PENSION & HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFIT | LONG TERM DISABILITY INCOME PLAN | TOTAL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee | 12.22% | 0.19% | 12.41% |
| Employer | 12.22% | 0.19% | 12.41% |
Alternate Contribution Rate - for Retired, Returned to Work Members
For members who retire, then returned to work for an ASRS employer while keeping their monthly pension, an Alternate Contribution Rate (ACR) is required. Read more on the ACR page.
Log in to Check Your Balance
By logging in to your secure myASRS account, you can see your contribution history as well as service credit and benefit estimates based on those contributions.